Grilled Cheese with Apricot Jam and Arugula (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Remember a week or so ago when I begged, er, asked nicely to vote for my rainbow cake in the Butter recipe exchange? Well, if you hadn’t heard, I won. And I am pretty darn proud and thankful for all of you who rallied behind me. (Thank you!)

Anyways, the prize for the victory, a $150 Kerry Gold gift basket, arrived shortly after. While I knew I was getting some butter (and fantastically amazing butter at that), what I didn’t expect was the sheer quantity of cheese. Swiss and cheddar and gouda, oh my!

Now the grilled cheese probably makes more sense, huh?

But this isn’t just any grilled cheese, this grilled cheese has class. With a thin layer of homemade apricot jam and a few leaves of fresh arugula added at the very last minute, this sandwich is as delicious as it is simple. I mean, it is a grilled cheese, after all. And what a perfect way to highlight the superb ingredients I was given.

This particular sandwich makes use of Kerry Gold’s unusual Dubliner cheese, described as somewhat sweet, somewhat nutty (sound like someone else you know?). That slight sweetness, when combined with the fruit jam and spicy arugula, makes for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.

Directions:

To assemble sandwiches, spread a thin layer of jam on one side of bread. Top with a double layer of cheese slices and second piece of bread. Generously butter outsides of both pieces of bread.

Put sandwiches in skillet and toast until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pan. Carefully (it will be hot!) peel apart bread and place arugula inside and replace top slice of bread. Cut in half and serve immediately.

And even better? Kerry Gold USA has so kindly offered to share some of their incredible butter and cheese with one of you. That’s right, one lucky reader will win a month’s supply of Irish cheese and butter for their very own.

Mmm… butter…

This giveaway officially kicks of what I am calling “Giveaway Week” here on L&OO (I know, so creative!) I’ve got a lineup of fabulous gourmet giveaways just for you. So watch for those appearing throughout the week and enter for your chance to win.

***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED****
Congratulations to Mary, whose comment (#388) was randomly selected as the winner! Hooray!

To Enter:

Simply leave a comment on this post with the answer to this question:What ingredients are in your ultimate grilled cheese?

Entries open through 12/14/10 at 11:59 CST. I’ll be randomly selecting the winner the morning of Wednesday, December 15th. Prize will be shipped to the winner directly from Kerry Gold. Please note that due to the perishable nature of this prize, this contest is open to US residents ONLY.

Want Extra Entries?
Increase your odds of winning! In addition to the main entry comment, leave a separate comment for each bonus entry.
1. Follow @loveandoliveoil on twitter and tweet the following:
“I just entered to win a month’s supply of butter & cheese from @KerryGoldUSA and @loveandoliveoil! Enter here: http://bit.ly/i4HOq0″
2. “Like” Love & Olive Oil on Facebook (or if you are already a fan just say so!)

Be sure you enter a valid email address, because if your name is drawn and I can’t get a hold of you within 72 hours, I will choose an alternate winner. You may also want to add me to your address book (lindsay AT loveandoliveoil DOT com), as I’d hate for your congratulatory email to end up in the spam folder.